Two developments this month are reshaping the infrastructure landscape behind Western Australia’s grain export chain, and grain handlers in the Great Southern should take note of both.
A new terminal enters the market. Western Australia’s Port of Albany is set to have a third grain bulk handler in operation following Qube’s completion of its initial upgrade, which has made the former Albany Bulk Handling facility a multi-commodity site. The upgrade is stage one of a $13 million redevelopment of the facility. Infrastructure works have broadened the port’s export capabilities beyond woodchips, enabling it to handle grain, mineral sands and critical minerals. Completed works included strengthening the hardstand and ship loader, along with installing a new grid to support a wider range of commodities. Qube bought the Albany site for $25 million in 2025. Second-stage works are being considered, including fixed grain storage, covered multi-commodity shed space and improved open stockpile segregation. The upgraded facility is intended to provide additional capacity for all port users, helping to ease congestion, improve vessel scheduling and reduce delays during peak export periods, including seasonal grain exports.
Ownership changes hands. On 14 August 2026, Macquarie Asset Management (MAM), together with its managed funds and co-investors including UniSuper and Pontegadea, completed their investment in Qube Holdings by way of Scheme of Arrangement, valuing Qube at approximately $A11.7 billion. The scheme was backed by 98.11 per cent of shareholders present and voting, and 86.72 per cent of votes cast, and Qube was removed from the ASX Official List on 17 August 2026. MAM has indicated the investment is underpinned by long-term structural trends including demographics, rising demand for goods and services, and a growing focus on sovereign capability.
For grain handlers, the practical question is whether private ownership accelerates or moderates Qube’s stated capital commitment to Albany. Qube is described as Australia’s largest provider of ports and terminal infrastructure assets, with a 10,000-strong workforce, and MAM has indicated it will focus on investing across Qube’s existing network while pursuing new opportunities across the Asia Pacific region. The second stage at Albany, if it proceeds, would add fixed grain storage capacity to a port that currently has none – a development likely to change the competitive dynamics for grain handling in the Great Southern.
Sources: Grain Central | Macquarie Group | Financial Standard | Kalkine
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